Does SmartLipo or CoolLipo Work on People with Darker Skin?

Question

Since most laser treatments are not for all skin types, I was wondering if Smart lipo or Cool lipo treatments work on people with dark skin.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Both the Smart Lipo and Cool Lipo are "color blind" and can be used on all skin types, ages, shapes and colors. In fact, using either the Smart Lipo or Cool Lipo when performing liposuction minimizes any difference among people with different body types.
Many men and African-Americans have a tougher and more fibrosed fat that may be more difficult to shape/sculpt with standard liposuction techniques. The use of either the Smart Lipo or Cool Lipo minimizes any difference.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. There is good news and bad news and more good news. The good news is that liposuction works on all skin colors. The bad news is that darker skin is more prone to keloid scarring (raised scars). If you have not had a problem with raised scars in the past, it is not likely to be an issue with liposuction. Since Cool Sculpting has no incisions, there would be no scarring. The other good news is that the increased melanin found in darker skin tones is protective against sun damage and aging.
Best wishes,
Heather

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

Darker skinned individuals often have more elastic and youthful skin than those with lighter skin. I have found that people of color tend to have better skin tightening because of this. However, the plastic surgeon has to be more careful to hide the small incisions used for Smartlipo because scarring may be worse.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

SmartLipo, like any surgical procedure, can cause some scarring. There can be some scars at the incision site. If you are targeting small fat bulge areas, CoolSculpting could be a non-surgical alternative to SmartLipo. The advantage with this procedure is there are no incisions. However, it is restricted to the areas of the flanks and abdomen. While it is a non-invasive affordable procedure, it removes 20% of the fat deposits with each treatment whereas SmartLipo can remove a larger amount of fat, but is likely to cause scarring.

Michael H. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

Unlike lasers used for resurfacing, the smart lipo laser is used "under the skin" and helps dissolve the fat. This can make liposuction more effective, less painful, and helps patients recover sooner. Because it is not used on the surface of the skin, it is equally safe and effective for all skin color types.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Very good question but the answer is YES. These laser treatments do not go after the color of your skin. The only thing that these treatments are attracted to is fat! The laser goes under the skin and is liquefying fat and tightening the skin.

Does SmartLipo or CoolLipo Work on People with Darker Skin?

Answers (6)

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